Riot's MMO: Still in the Works, Despite Setbacks
Introduction
Riot Games has been working on an MMO since 2020, sparking curiosity and speculation. However, the project's longevity and a 2022 reset have raised questions about its progress.
Continued Hope
Despite industry challenges and early layoffs, Riot's co-founder Marc Merrill remains committed to the MMO as a high-priority project. He acknowledges the nostalgia factor driving players to rediscover MMOs.
Market Landscape
MMORPGs have declined in popularity, giving way to live service games. Merrill acknowledges this but believes there is still a market for compelling MMO worlds.
Riot's Strengths
Riot has a strong foundation with its established League of Legends IP and dedicated player base. The success of Arcane, the animated series set in the LoL universe, also showcases the company's storytelling capabilities.
Challenges and Timeline
Riot faces an uphill battle in launching an MMO given the current market. However, Merrill remains optimistic and hopes to release the game "before we go to Mars."
Conclusion
While skepticism remains, Riot's size, resources, and dedication suggest that it has the potential to succeed in creating a compelling MMO. Whether it will defy market trends and meet player expectations remains to be seen.